Melvin G. Carter, 81

On Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009, Melvin G. Carter, 81, resident of Clark Fork, Idaho, “drags up” for the last time.

A celebration of Mel’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on  Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009, at the Clark Fork Senior Center in Clark Fork.

Mel will be laid to rest next to his parents and grandmother in the Clark Fork Cemetery.

Mel was born on Feb. 16, 1928 to Faye and Margaret (Meade) Carter.

He grew up and went to school in Clark Fork, Idaho, where he played basketball with great enthusiasm and passion.

Mel graduated in 1946 and hung up his number “3“ jersey for the last time.

He was drafted into the United States Army in 1951 and upon his honorable discharge returned home and married Grace Morris on Aug. 14, 1954.

Mel worked in the timber industry as a sawyer, later he joined the laborer’s union, Local 292.

In 1962 Mel left Clark Fork and moved his family to Snohomish, Wash.

Melvin always held his childhood friends close to him.

He would visit his “home” every year during the Fourth of July. Whenever Mel mentioned going home, his family knew they were going to Clark Fork.

Mel retired in 1987, he and Grace spent several winters in their recreational vehicle in Mesa, Ariz., and summers here in Idaho.

Mel was finally able to move back home to his beloved Clark Fork in 1990.

Mel’s passion was fishing, hunting and sports, He enjoyed attending Seattle Seahawks games, and supporting the Snohomish Panthers football and basketball programs.

He is survived by his “wweetie” and loving wife of 55 years Grace Carter of  Clark Fork; three daughters, Donna O’Conner of Vancouver, Wash., Melinda Locke of Vancouver and Patty Jo Carter of Clark Fork; and four grandchildren, Stacy Dammann of Snohomish, Wash., Luke Jackson of Snohomish, Kelsi O’Connor of Vancouver, Wash., and Jackie Haines of Vancouver; and soon to arrive, to “carry the torch” Mel’s great-grandson, Jackson Dammann.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister Viola Gissel.

Memorial donations may be made to the Clark Fork High School Athletic Program P.O. Box 86, Clark Fork, ID 83864

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements.

Please visit Mel’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.